EP 72: You can't live 100% of your life, 50% of the time.
In this powerful episode, I dive deep into a critical challenge for stepmoms: living life beyond the custody schedule. Drawing from a chapter in my upcoming book Stepmomming Made Easy, I share personal insights on how custody arrangements shouldn't dictate your entire life. I explore how constantly planning around your stepchild's schedule can lead to burnout, resentment, and missed opportunities. The key message? Live your life 100% of the time, not just 50%. By maintaining a full, balanced life, you actually model healthier relationships for your stepchildren and protect your own mental well-being. This episode offers validation and practical strategies for stepmoms feeling trapped by rigid custody schedules, empowering them to make intentional choices that support their happiness and family dynamics.Links Mentioned: Pre-order Stepmomming Made Easy and receive 3 value-packed bonuses: https://stepmomming.com/book/Ready to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happierLet’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/stepmom-support-coaching/Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy
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EP 71: Overcoming Burnout with Amelia Nagoski
In this powerful episode, Amelia Nagoski, co-author of Burnout, dives deep into the unique challenges stepmoms face. She explores critical concepts like human giver syndrome, the stress response cycle, and how stepmoms can prevent burnout. Amelia shares her personal stepmom journey, offering compassionate, science-backed strategies to help stepmoms navigate complex family dynamics while maintaining their mental and emotional well-being. Whether you're struggling with burnout or seeking practical tools for self-preservation, this episode provides invaluable guidance for stepmoms.Amelia Nagoski, D.M.A. (it stands for Doctorate of Musical Arts) is the co-author, with her sister Emily, of the New York Times bestselling Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle and the Burnout workbook. Her job is to run around waving her arms and making funny noises and generally doing whatever it takes to help singers get in touch with their internal experience.She lives in New England with her husband and two rescue dogs.Links Mentioned: Burnout Book: https://www.amazon.com/Burnout-Secret-Unlocking-Stress-Cycle/dp/1984818325/Burnout Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/Burnout-Workbook-Advice-Exercises-Unlock/dp/0593578376/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burnoutbookgroupReady to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happierLet’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/stepmom-support-coaching/Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy
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Hey, I'm Back! (And Boy, Do I Have News!)
Hi, sweet stepmom! I'm back! I accidentally took a hiatus from the podcast because I've had some exciting things happening behind the scenes.I'm so excited to share that my book, Stepmoming Made Easy, is now available for pre-order and launches on October 6. I've poured my heart into this book that offers tools and validation for stepmoms navigating complex family dynamics. I'm really proud of it and know it's going to change the lives of so many stepmoms. As if writing a book wasn't enough, I'm also pregnant with my second baby boy - what a year! But let's finish this season strong! I've got two amazing podcast episodes coming up: an interview with Amelia Nagoski from Burnout and a deep dive into living beyond the constraints of custody schedules. I can't wait for you to hear them and grab a copy of the book. It's everything I needed when I first became a stepmom, and I hope it helps you too. Stay tuned for details about our upcoming free event for stepmoms!Pre-order Stepmomming Made Easy and receive 3 incredible bonuses: https://stepmomming.com/book/
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EP 70: Navigating Co-Parenting as a Stepmom and Mom with Michelle Dempsey
Today, I'm joined by guest Michelle Dempsey-Multack, and we are discussing the unique challenges and perspectives of stepparenting and co-parenting. As a stepmom, biological mom who shares custody of her own daughter, and someone who grew up with stepparents, Michelle shares valuable advice on building healthy relationships, managing family dynamics, and prioritizing the needs of the children. The discussion covers common misconceptions, the importance of empathy, and strategies for creating a supportive environment for blended families.Michelle Dempsey-Multack, MS, CDS is a Certified Divorce and Co-Parenting Specialist, bestselling author, educator for divorce coaches, and top 1% podcaster known for her ability to inspire and empower moms through their divorce and co-parenting journeys.Michelle’s passion for “putting the child first” in the divorce process while helping everyone she reaches feel supported and empowered, makes her a sought after coach by clients as well as divorce industry professionals from around the globe.Michelle’s unique perspective on divorce and co-parenting has helped thousands of women find the permission to move on confidently after divorce as they move towards a more intentional and holistic co-parenting experience – one that their kids can be proud of one day.Michelle solidified her place as a thought leader in the divorce space with the recent publication of her bestselling book, Moms Moving On: Real Life Advice on Conquering Divorce, Co-Parenting Through Conflict, and Becoming Your Best Self from Simon and Schuster.Links Mentioned: Instagram: @themichelledempsey & @movingonmethod https://michelledempsey.comMoms Moving On book (affiliate): https://amzn.to/3BONJKWReady to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happierLet’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/stepmom-support-coaching/Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy
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EP 69: Navigating Stepfamily Holidays with Ainsley Keller
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Ainsley Keller from The Stepcollective to talk all things holidays! From managing expectations and navigating traditions to tackling tricky schedules, we cover it all. Ainsley also shares her powerful holiday mantra: Connection Over Perfection—a game-changer every stepmom needs this season.If the holidays have you feeling overwhelmed, this episode is your reminder that joy is within reach. Tune in and let’s make this holiday season one to truly enjoy!Ainsley supports stepparents and future stepparents helping them to embrace their role with intention, resilience and a deeper understanding of themselves and their families. She has first-hand experience of life as a step parent coupled with decades of experience as a corporate director and executive leadership coach. Ainsley combines a passion for nurturing and developing individuals with positive change to harness healthy & empowered family relationships. She is proud to be accredited as an Associate Credentialed Coach (ACC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF), trained in restorative communication as well as group coaching. Ainsley also holds an MBA from Bayes Business School in London, UK.Links Mentioned: https://www.instagram.com/the.stepcollective/https://thestepcollective.co.ukReady to create a stepmom life you love? Grab my FREE GUIDE 15 Ways to Become a Happier Stepmom Overnight: https://stepmomming.com/happierLet’s work together: https://stepmomming.com/stepmom-support-coaching/Join our FREE support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepmommingainteasy
Is stepmomming the most challenging thing you’ve ever done in your life? If so, you’re in the right place!Welcome to the Stepmomming Made Easy podcast, where your host, Certified Stepparent Coach Kristen Skiles will ensure you never feel alone on this stepmom journey again. We’ll never be able to predict every stressor or struggle you could anticipate as a stepmom, but each week, you’ll learn new tools and techniques to prioritize your peace. Tune in for your weekly dose of validation, inspiration, and step-by-step guidance to build a stepmom life you love.